VATIS UPDATE Article

A group of HVAC&R experts from Iraq, gathered in Casale Monferrato, Italy, to receive specialised training on alternative refrigerants for commercial refrigeration and the safe use of hydrocarbons in domestic and commercial refrigeration. The purpose of the training was to ensure that Iraq has an established group of experts and trainers to promote and support the introduction of hydrocarbon and low-GWP refrigerants in the domestic and commercial refrigeration sector.

The participants, who received certification after completing the training course, will be responsible for running a local training programme in order to elevate the skills and capacity of local engineers and technicians in Iraq. The training, funded by the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol and managed by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction, is part of Iraq’s national strategy for phasing out ozone depleting substances (ODS). The training was held in cooperation with the Association of Italian Refrigeration Technicians (ATF) and was hosted by the Centro Studi Galileo.

Through practical and theoretical training and field visits, the Iraqi experts acquired the necessary knowledge to train local engineers and technicians. This will hopefully allow Iraq to make significant progress in phasing out HCFCs and reduce its dependency on high-GWP and ODS refrigerants with available alternatives. UNEP will continue to support Iraq through the next stages of its phase-out plan by ensuring that relevant stakeholders from the refrigeration and air conditioning industry receive the necessary training and capacity building.